o_mom
New member
The tranny on our Odyssey is slipping (2002MY w/ 135k mi, so yeah, it's the tranny). I'm going to look into transmission replacement as one option, but also want to know how a 'new' van would compare.
Looking mainly at something 'certified used' if possible, so that limits it to the last 5-ish years. Prefer 8-passenger. My own kids are two in boosters and one harnessed. Regularly take two other booster riders, so fitting at least 5 seats is important, though at least two of those can be backless. When I do take 6+ passengers, usually at least one is SBO and/or front-seat eligible (11.5-14 yos). I would also really like the 8-passenger for times we want to take the kids and cargo putting three across the middle row, though it looks like most of the newer vans have a split third row, so maybe this isn't as big of a deal???
So, what years/models am I looking at?
If I'm looking correctly, the Sienna has the 35/30/35 split up through 2010 MY, but only in the lowest trim level, so no leather and no power doors? 2011-12 has the teeny-tiny seat, but can do that in leather/power?
The Odyssey 2006-2010 (I won't do 2005 because of the TAs) has the leprechaun seat, but can get leather and power doors. 2011-12 has a more reasonable middle seat, w/leather and power doors?
I mention leather and power doors because of all the features on my van, those two seem to make the most sense with kids. We are beyond needing built-in DVD, etc.
Are there any other 8 pass vehicles?
What other 7 pass vans are worth a look?
I'm not an SUV fan for many reasons (gas, safety, cargo, etc.), so I haven't really considered them... should I?
Did I mention I hate car shopping?
Looking mainly at something 'certified used' if possible, so that limits it to the last 5-ish years. Prefer 8-passenger. My own kids are two in boosters and one harnessed. Regularly take two other booster riders, so fitting at least 5 seats is important, though at least two of those can be backless. When I do take 6+ passengers, usually at least one is SBO and/or front-seat eligible (11.5-14 yos). I would also really like the 8-passenger for times we want to take the kids and cargo putting three across the middle row, though it looks like most of the newer vans have a split third row, so maybe this isn't as big of a deal???
So, what years/models am I looking at?
If I'm looking correctly, the Sienna has the 35/30/35 split up through 2010 MY, but only in the lowest trim level, so no leather and no power doors? 2011-12 has the teeny-tiny seat, but can do that in leather/power?
The Odyssey 2006-2010 (I won't do 2005 because of the TAs) has the leprechaun seat, but can get leather and power doors. 2011-12 has a more reasonable middle seat, w/leather and power doors?
I mention leather and power doors because of all the features on my van, those two seem to make the most sense with kids. We are beyond needing built-in DVD, etc.
Are there any other 8 pass vehicles?
What other 7 pass vans are worth a look?
I'm not an SUV fan for many reasons (gas, safety, cargo, etc.), so I haven't really considered them... should I?
Did I mention I hate car shopping?
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